The advantages of spray paints are playing a vital role in making them popular among people. Due to these benefits, many people have now shifted to using spray paints instead of normal paints. To reap all the advantages of spray painting and to make spray paint work better it is essential to consider many factors. One such factor is the weather.
The effect of temperature and humidity on the paint cannot be denied or underestimated. The ideal temperature for spray painting is between 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold weather thickens the spray paint, thus resulting in rough finishing. Also, it is difficult to apply spray paint in cold weather. However, some ways can help you in working with spray paint in cold weather.
In this article, you will find out whether it is a good idea to spray paint in cold weather or not. Along with that, you will discover ways to make spray paint work in cold weather. Apart from this, you will learn the reason behind more drying time of spray paint in cold weather. Lastly, you will figure out the temperature that is too cold for spray paint to work.
Is it a good idea to spray paint in the cold?
There have been many debates regarding the suitability of the idea of spray painting in cold weather. Some people are in favor of working with spray paint in the cold. While many people are against the idea of doing so. These divided opinions among people made it difficult to answer this query in simple words.
For formulating a final opinion regarding the idea of spray painting in cold weather, it is essential to first understand the reasons for doing or not doing so. Some of the reasons that compel people to believe that spray painting in cold is not a great idea include:
The paint thickens in cold weather
Just like every other type of paint, spray paint also changes its consistency according to the weather. In cold temperatures, the paint thickens, thus making the application difficult. One of the top reasons that discourage the use of spray painting in cold weather is that the spray paint hardens in cold temperatures.
For better application, it is necessary to shake the paint well. The hard paint doesn’t shake easily, hence is not easy to apply. Also, the thick paint takes time in coming out of a can, which further worsens the situation.
Non-impressive Finish
The ultimate objective of spray painting any object is to enhance its look. In cold weather, spray paint doesn’t provide an impressive finish and hence is discouraged.
The even and smooth flow of paint is essential for providing an impressive finish. The thick, hardened, and uneven flow of paint not only makes the application difficult but also generates an unimpressive finish.
More drying time
Many factors impact the drying time of any paint, and the weather is on top of these factors. Like every other paint, spray paint also takes more drying in cold weather as compared to the time it takes in hot weather.
The high drying time limits the productivity of the object painted, which is not appreciated. Also, the higher drying time causes the dirt particles and impurities to stick to the wet paint. Hence provide a rough finish.
Less Adhesion
While buying paint its adhesion must be given prime importance. The adhesion power of the paint is also impacted by the weather. In cold weather, the paint may have a hard time sticking to the surface or material it is applied on. Less adhesion decreases the durability of spray painting, which further compels many to avoid spray painting in cold weather.
Less Shine
Many factors affect the gloss and shine of the paint. People believe that spray painting in cold weather reduces its shine. The increased drying time of spray paint in cold weather is linked with reducing its shine. Some people also think that spray paint dries differently than its original shade in cold weather.
Based on all these reasons it is fair enough to regard the idea of spray painting in cold weather as a bad one. However, due to the impressive benefits of spray paints, it is not advised to wait for cold weather to end to work with spray paint.
Fortunately, many ways can help you in making spray paint work appropriately in cold weather. By following these ways, you can make the idea of spray painting in cold weather a great one.
Why Does Cold Weather Slow the Spray Paint Drying Time?
There is no second opinion to the fact that cold weather slows the paint drying time. There are many reasons behind the delayed drying time in cold weather. Some common reasons include:
Due to the Absence of Heat
The hotter the temperature, the faster the paint dries. For paint to dry properly, heat is necessary. Heat evaporates the moisture of the paint causing the paint to dry faster. Thus, the absence of heat in cold weather is the first factor that contributes to slowing the spray paint drying time in winter.
Even if the object painted is placed in direct sunlight it will not be exposed much to heat and hence will not dry sooner.
Due to Condensation
In winter it is common to observe tiny water droplets and moisture on objects mostly placed outdoors. The presence of tiny water droplets is due to a process called condensation.
These water droplets make the painted object or surface damp. The effect of dampness on painted surfaces makes drying of paint impossible. The condensation not only slows the drying time but also gives a rough finish. Due to condensation, it is advised to avoid spray painting outdoor surfaces or objects in cold weather.
Due To Improper Air Circulation
For spray paint to dry completely, it is essential to have a proper flow of air. The importance of ventilation while painting indoors cannot be ignored. The lack of ventilation and improper air circulation in cold weather contributes to slowing the spray paint drying time.
In winter air circulation is poor as compared to summer. Also, in cold weather people close all the windows of the rooms, resulting in reduced ventilation indoors.
Due To The Slow Evaporation Rate
Paint dries when the water molecules present in it evaporate completely. In winter, the water molecules present in spray paint take more time in evaporating from the surface or object painted. The slow evaporation makes it difficult for spray paint to dry in cold weather.
Due To Dry Winds
Winds help in making the drying process quicker, however dry winds contribute to worsening the situation. In cold weather, winds are not from water bodies and hence are dry. The dry winds make it difficult for the water molecules to escape from the painted surface. Hence causing the spray paint to dry slowly.
What Can You Do To Make Spray Painting Work In Cold Weather?
The benefits of spray painting including its affordability, easy application, and durability compel people to work with it throughout the year. Working with spray paints in cold is a hard and tiring task. Fortunately, many ways can help you in making spray paint work in cold weather easy.
Some of the ways that can help you in making spray paint work in cold weather include:
Clean The Surface to Be Painted
Many times, people ignore the significance of preparing the surface before painting and regret it later. Cleaning the object to be painted is the most essential step to be taken before painting. Cleaning removes the dirt and other layers accumulated on the object, thus making it easier for the paint to stick to the object. You can use the cleaning solutions available in the market to clean the surface before painting.
In cold weather, it is difficult for paint to stick to the object. The presence of dirt, impurities, and other substances on the surface or object to be painted further makes it difficult for the paint to stick. To make the paint stick well to the object make sure to clean it properly, especially in cold.
Apply Primer
There are many advantages of priming a surface before painting. The primer provides a surface for the paint to stick on. Priming is essential if the surface to be painted is wrinkled, rough, textured, or cracked. Priming the surface not only makes the application of paint easier but also increases the durability of the paint.
When working with spray paint in cold weather make sure to take time for priming the surface or object to be painted. Applying primer makes the application of thick paint easier and provides a smooth finish that is otherwise difficult to achieve in cold weather.
Keep The Spray Paint Cans Indoor
As the temperature indoors is lower than the temperature outdoors. Always keep the spray paint cans indoors. The spray cans placed outdoors get thickened thus working with them is hard.
To avoid the hardening of spray paints, it is advised to keep them indoors when not in use. While indoors, spray paint can is not much exposed to cold weather hence don’t harden and can be applied easily. Spray paint cans are inflammable, so remember not to put them near heat and fire sources.
Work With Spray Paint Indoor
If the object you want to spray paint is movable, then it is a great idea to bring it indoors for painting it. As already discussed indoors are not as cold as outdoors. Thus, working with spray paint indoors is a great idea.
You can also reduce the drying time of spray paint in winter by placing the object indoors. Give the object enough drying time and move it outdoors once it has completely dried.
Heat The Area You Will Work In
Heating the area where you will be spray painting further helps in making spray paint work efficiently in winter. By heating the area, you can reduce the risk of spray paint congealing in the can. Thus, can experience easy application and smooth finishing.
If you can heat the area before painting it, do this to gain better results. The easiest and cheapest way of heating the area involves using the heater.
Ensure Ventilation
Ventilation plays a vital role in making spray paint work. In the absence of ventilation, it is common to observe cracks in the paint along with a slow drying time. If you are working indoors, then you need to ensure ventilation to make spray paint work efficiently.
There are many ways to ventilate the room while painting. The most common of them include using blower fans and opening windows.
Use a high-quality spray paint
While working with paints the first thing that matters the most is the quality of the paint. High-quality paint is always preferred over low-quality one. Many reasons compel people to use high-quality paints.
To make spray paint work in cold weather you need to choose high-quality spray paint. High-quality spray paints are less likely to thicken in cold weather as compared to low-quality spray paints. You can even buy spray paints specifically designed to work in colder weather to experience better application and a smooth finish.
Choose Solvent Based Spray Paints
There are two main types of paints, solvent-based paints, and water-based paints. Solvent-based paints are paints that don’t freeze or harden, thus are a perfect choice to use in cold weather. If you have to paint an outdoor object using spray paint in cold weather, then you need to go for solvent-based spray paints.
Solvent-based paints evaporate easily and hence take less drying time. However, solvent-based paints are not eco-friendly and are harmful to health, so you need to use them carefully.
Choose to paint at the ideal temperature
If you have to paint in cold weather, then make sure to examine the temperature throughout the day and choose the time of day with suitable weather. Generally, the temperature is ideal for painting in the afternoon.
The temperature at night is inappropriate for spray painting, thus panting at night should be avoided. Also, check for moisture and humidity levels and start spray painting only when the humidity and moisture level is in the ideal range.
Give the first coat enough drying time
Coating multiple layers of paint is a great idea. Many people coat multiple layers without waiting for the first coat to dry. Doing this not only ruins the finish but also results in creating air bubbles. In cold weather, applying layers of paint without giving drying time further worsens the situation.
To gain better results and to make spray paint work in cold weather, make sure to give each layer enough drying time.
What temperature is too cold to spray paint?
Before working with spray paint or any other paint, the first thing everyone needs to consider is the temperature. Both extremely hot and cold temperatures should be avoided for spray painting. The ideal temperature for spray painting is between 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 90-degree Fahrenheit.
Any temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit is considered too cold to spray paint. However, the temperature considered too cold for spray paint also depends on the humidity level. Spray painting should be done only when the humidity is below 85%. Humidity in the atmosphere has many effects on the paint. Thus, it is essential to look for the humidity count before beginning the spray painting.
Additionally, before spray painting make sure to look at the forecasted temperature for the next few days. If the forecasted temperature is expected to be lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, then avoid spray painting. This is because the cold temperature makes drying spray paint difficult and exacerbates the job.
Verdict
To conclude it can be said that spray painting in cold weather is not an easy task. The substandard finish, difficult application, less adhesion, and more drying time make spray painting in cold an unimpressive idea.
Many times, one cannot wait till the cold weather ends to begin spray painting. Luckily, there are plenty of ways that can help you in making spray paint work in cold weather. By choosing the ideal temperature range, and working as per the ways suggested above, you can easily make spray paint work in the cold.